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Author
Topic: Atripla - Does it affect nerves (Read 1931 times)

Hey there. I started atripla just over 4 months ago CD4 was 460 and VL 20 000. Had initial symptoms of drowsiness etc but after first week all has been good. Did first blood tests after taking meds on 5 May and CD 541 and VL <40 so all signs are good. However two/three weeks ago started feeling burning sensation in lower back/buttocks and down both legs. Have had tests done (including LP and MRI) and doc didn't find anything viral so concluded that inflammed nerve. Went on cortisone. Pains have subsided but can still feel them a tiny bit. I know I need to give it a chance. However my question is - could Atripla be causing this - the doc says it is way too soon for the meds to be causing anything like this and that it is as a result of the immune system building up - he mentioned IRIS. Also, was wondering if this did go away, would it return later?

Hi Tony ... Its hard to comment one way or the other about whats to blame for your symptoms . Atripla is known to cause central nervous system disorders in some people and did when I was on the drug . I think because your condition sounds like a back problem even with the lack of findings the best course is to give it a little more time .

I find doctors do use every excuse not to blame Atripla ... they tell people its too early to have side effects and then if you get them 5 years later they say its too late . Your case is a tough one and I will be interested to hear other peoples thoughts .

Sounds more like sciatica to me, and perhaps just a coincidence that it has surfaced around the time you have gone on Atripla. I assume your doctor was looking for herniated/slipped disk issues and compressed nerves with the MRI -- I just had one too for the same issue though I am not on Atripla. The lumbar MRI was fine so they figure my sciatic issues are compression in my buttocks when in a chair. Talk to your doctor about sciatica and why he does or does not think this is the issue.

We know nothing of your age and lifestyle from your profile, but MANY HIV-negative people of a certain age have sciatica issues that are helped greatly by utilizing what's called a "standing desk" -- google "standing desk sciatica". I've thought about getting one myself but unfortunately I also have neuropathy issues in my feet so that would just put more pressure down there, so I'm just kind of screwed either standing or sitting.

i'm working to perfect the hammock lapdesk, death to cubicles and office chairs. i was previously on atripla, and had bi-polar flare ups and just about lost my grip in a manic episode. at the time had no neuropathic pain, but have developed it recently. i have no way of knowing if my prior atripla use is at play. the way they made it sound, mess up that main nerve in the back and its torture and pain for eternity

Neurologist said that it caused my neuropathy. It wasn't until my doctor changed my medication that it started to get better.

Atripla causes that in least 5 percent of folks that take it, unfortunately I was one of the 5 percent. I have small nerve fiber damage that flares up from time to time, at least I can wear shoes these days.

Thanks all for the feedback.Kinda frightening though. Miss P, I had mentioned Sciatica and also MS and Syphilis etc but because of all the tests done they have ruled all of these out. Also because the pain was a broad pain around back, stomach, buttocks and both legs. I suppose it could just be old age . Also it could be sitting position as I do sit for most of the day.Just in terms of age and lifestyle: I am 43. I gym about 3 times a week, eat fairly healthily, don't smoke and drink on occasion (1-2 glasses of wine say a week). I used to be more active with running and tennis etc. I will keep monitoring it. The pains have subsided a lot since going on the course of cortisone.I hope it goes as it is an irritation. I did get meningitis 2 years ago and that was when I was diagnosed HIV. Oh the one other thing - I did have some slight twitching from the meningitis but that all but went. However recently it has flared around the same timeframe as the onset of the pain. Would be interesting to find out if I maybe had some damage then and it is acting up now because of this.Mikey/Zach/Miss P and Jeff I hope your situations have improved.

Hi Zach. There was a band of pain round lower back and stomach - not really a pulling pain - more burning. Then into buttocks and down legs. No swelling. Was down the front of the thighs - like a burning pain. Joints not stiff or swolen. Almost gone now - although stopped with anti-inflammatory tablets on Thurs and had slight pain yesterday so will keep monitoring.